Flight
Direct, fastest, best overall choice for long distance
Bus
Cheapest option, overnight possible, long but simple journey
Train + ferry
Scenic route, but multiple transfers and longer travel time
Direct routes
No direct land route, always requires transfers or ferry
Quick answer: The main ways to travel from Singapore to Penang are by direct flight, tourist bus, train + shuttle, or private car. Flights are the fastest and most convenient for most travelers, while buses and trains offer a scenic journey across Malaysia. A private car provides the most flexibility and comfort, ideal for families or small groups. All options can be booked easily online in advance.
At a glance:
- 📍 Travel distance: ≈ 750 km by road | ~650 km by air
- ⏱️ Travel time: Bus 8–10 h | Train + shuttle 12–13 h | Flight 1–1.5 h | Taxi ~8 h
- 💰 Price range: Bus US$30–55 | Train + shuttle US$40+ | Flight US$50–150 | Taxi US$480–800
- 🚍 Bus: Budget-friendly and direct overland option
- 🚆 Train + shuttle: Scenic and comfortable, but slower
- ✈️ Flight: Fastest and most convenient choice
- 🚕 Private car: Flexible and comfortable, perfect for private travel
Last updated in April 2026
From Singapore to Penang you can travel by plane, bus or train.
Traveling from Singapore to Penang covers about 750 km by land or 650 km by air. You can travel by direct flight, tourist bus, KTM train via Johor Bahru and Gemas, or private car. A direct flight is the fastest option, taking about 1–1.5 hours, while the tourist bus is the most popular budget choice with a journey of about 8–10 hours. The train journey via Johor Bahru, Gemas, and Butterworth takes about 12–13 hours, followed by a short ferry transfer to Penang.
Penang is one of Malaysia’s top travel destinations, famous for Georgetown, beaches, and excellent street food. From Penang you can continue to Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur, or visit Ipoh.
| Transfer Mode – Singapore to Penang | Travel Time | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Bus | 8–10 hours | $30–55 per person |
| Train | 12–13 hours | $40+ per person |
| Direct Flight | 1–1.5 hours | $50–150 per person |
| Private Taxi/Car with a driver | 8 hours | $480–800 per car |
How to get from Singapore to Penang?
1. BUS from Singapore to Penang
👉 Bus is the most economical way to travel from Singapore to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: budget travelers and long-distance overland journeys
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 10–18 hours
- ✔️ Cost: about $30–55 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: moderate to good (air-conditioned coaches, some with reclining seats)
- ✅ Best option: Companies like KKKL Express, Super Nice Express or StarMart Express
- 💡 Tip: Expect border crossing at Johor Bahru and multiple stops along the way; book tickets online in advance to secure your seat.
The tourist bus is the cheapest way to travel from Singapore to Penang. All buses cross the Singapore–Malaysia border via Woodlands and Johor Bahru before continuing north to Penang or Butterworth. The journey takes about 10–18 hours, depending on the operator and route.
Popular companies include Super Nice Express, KKKL Express, New Asian Travel, Sri Maju Group, StarMart Express, and Seasons Express. Buses depart from several locations in Singapore and arrive at Butterworth, Sungai Nibong, Penang Komtar, Bukit Mertajam, and other stops in Penang.
Bus tickets cost about $30–55 per person and can be booked online in advance. The bus is a good choice for budget travelers who want a direct and affordable transfer to Penang.
2. TRAIN from Singapore to Penang
👉 Train + ferry via Johor Bahru is a complex but scenic alternative from Singapore to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: rail enthusiasts and travelers seeking a multi-step journey
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 15–17 hours
- ✔️ Cost: from $40+ per person
- ✔️ Comfort: good (modern trains, plus short ferry ride)
- ✅ Best option: KTM Berhad trains Johor Bahru → Gemas → Butterworth + ferry to Penang
- 💡 Tip: Plan all connections carefully, book tickets online in advance, and allow time for transfers and border crossing.
You can also travel from Singapore to Penang by train, but there is no direct railway connection. The journey starts with a shuttle train or bus to Johor Bahru, followed by KTM trains via Gemas to Butterworth. From Butterworth, take a short ferry to Penang.
The whole trip takes about 15–17 hours, depending on transfers and train schedules. Total costs start at around $40 per person, making this a slower but comfortable alternative to the bus.
BOOK TRAIN TICKETS on Baolau ➜
Trains depart from Johor Bahru Sentral, change at Gemas, and continue to Butterworth Railway Station. See the Malaysia Railway Map. Tickets can be booked online in advance as e-tickets.
3. FLIGHT from Singapore to Penang
👉 Direct flight is the fastest and most comfortable way from Singapore to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: travelers who want to save time and travel comfortably
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 1–1.5 hours (up to 5 hours total including airport procedures)
- ✔️ Cost: about $50–150 per person
- ✔️ Comfort: high (short flight with multiple airline options)
- ✅ Best option: Airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar Asia or Malaysia Airlines
- 💡 Tip: Book flights online in advance and include transfers to/from airports when planning your journey.
The fastest and most convenient way to travel from Singapore to Penang is by direct flight. Flights operate from Changi Airport to Penang International Airport, located about 20 km south of Georgetown. Flying saves several hours compared to traveling by bus or train.
The flight takes about 1–1.5 hours, while the total journey, including airport transfers and check-in, is around 4–5 hours. Airlines serving this route include AirAsia, Scoot, Jetstar Asia, Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Singapore Airlines. AirAsia usually offers the lowest fares.
Flight prices range from $50-150/pp, depending on the airline and booking date. You can easily search and book flights online in advance. From Penang Airport, you can reach Georgetown by public bus, taxi or Grab.
| Airline | Departs in Singapore | Arrival in Penang |
|---|---|---|
| Jetstar Asia | 07:25 | 08:55 |
| Scoot | 09:00 | 10:20 |
| Scoot | 14:25 | 15:55 |
| Scoot | 19:45 | 21:20 |
| Air Asia | 13:50 | 15:10 |
| Air Asia | 17:35 | 19:00 |
| Air Asia | 21:40 | 23:05 |
| Singapore Airlines | 08:00 | 09:25 |
| Singapore Airlines | 09:45 | 11:10 |
| Singapore Airlines | 13:00 | 14:25 |
| Singapore Airlines | 19:00 | 20:25 |
| Malaysia Airlines | 12:40 | 14:15 |
| Malaysia Airlines | 21:15 | 22:50 |
| Firefly | 12:40 | 14:15 |
4. TAXI / CAR from Singapore to Penang
👉 Private car with driver is the most flexible and comfortable ground transfer from Singapore to Penang.
- ✔️ Ideal for: groups, families, and travelers with higher budgets
- ✔️ Travel time: approx. 8 hours
- ✔️ Cost: about $480–800 per vehicle
- ✔️ Comfort: very high (private cars or spacious minivans with driver)
- ✅ Best option: Private transfers with companies like Daytrip
- 💡 Tip: Split the total cost among passengers and choose flexible pickup and drop-off locations for maximum convenience.
A private car with a driver is the most comfortable but also the most expensive way to travel from Singapore to Penang. It is a good option for families, small groups or travelers who prefer a direct door-to-door transfer without changing transport.
Daytrip offers modern sedans and minivans on this route. The journey takes about 8 hours, depending on traffic and the border crossing. You can choose your departure point in Singapore and your arrival destination anywhere in Penang.
Private transfers cost about $480-800/car, depending on the vehicle type. Minivans can be a good value for groups, as the fare can be shared between passengers. You can easily book your private transfer online in advance and should always read the booking conditions before traveling.
❓ FAQ + Tips – Travel from Singapore to Penang
How to book tickets and flights from Singapore to Penang?
Book tickets and flights online at Baolau ➜ or 12go.asia ➜.
How long does it take to travel from Singapore to Penang?
Flights take 1–1.5 hours, buses 8–10 hours, trains about 12–13 hours, and private cars around 8 hours.
How much does it cost to travel from Singapore to Penang?
Bus tickets cost $30–55, flights $40–150, trains from $40, and private cars $480–800.
What is the distance from Singapore to Penang?
The route is about 750 km by land or 650 km by direct flight.
What is the best way to get from Singapore to Penang?
A direct flight is the fastest and most convenient option, taking about 1–1.5 hours.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Singapore to Penang?
The cheapest option is a tourist bus, with fares starting at about $30 per person.
Can you travel by train from Singapore to Penang?
Yes. Travel by KTM trains via Johor Bahru, Gemas and Butterworth, then take the ferry to George Town.
Where can you travel from Penang?
Popular destinations are Langkawi, Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu.
Where to stay in Penang?
Choose from budget hotels, hostels or luxury resorts.
How can you travel around Malaysia?
Use buses, KTM trains, flights, ferries or taxis. See Transportation in Malaysia.
💡 Practical Travel Tips for Singapore to Penang
Travel from Singapore to Penang by direct flight, tourist bus, train via Butterworth or private car. Flights are the fastest, while buses offer the cheapest option.
- Flights: The fastest option, taking about 1–1.5 hours.
- Border Crossing: Overland travelers should allow extra time for immigration checks.
- Train Route: Travel via Johor Bahru, Gemas and Butterworth, then take the ferry to George Town.
- Travel Time: Bus journeys usually take 8–10 hours, depending on traffic.
- Book Early: Reserve tickets in advance during weekends, holidays and peak seasons.
- Private Transfer: A private car is the most comfortable overland option for groups.
Tip: Bus tickets and flights from Singapore to Penang can be searched and booked online in advance.